Sense8: The Wachowski’s Are Back In Style
Bringing perfection to Netflix since 2015
Sense8 describes the lives of eight complete strangers in different corners of the world as they learn of a psychic link that pulls them together somehow. Without any idea of whats going on, these people try to deal with the seven voices in their head while also managing their own complicated lives while also fighting the corporation that is inevitably hunting them.
Set all around the world from Chicago to Nairobi to Seoul, this action-packed drama is a diversity extravaganza by sci-fi veterans J. Micheal Straczynski and The Wachowski’s. Going into its second season, the original concept, progressive characters, and flawless execution still make this show one of the best on Netflix.
To start with the original but goofy concept, the idea is that (mild spoiler alert) there are beings beyond human called sensates that naturally have psychic connections to other sensates. In clusters of eight they can visit and share knowledge and skills with one another. However, the most beautiful thing about all of this is that nobody cares. They just wanna know “what is this African dude randomly doing in my living room?” and “how is this going to affect me?” Deliberately refraining from exposition, the show revels in the mystery and downright confusion it creates.
It helps that the show is carried completely by characters rather than story. While the central plot moves excruciatingly slow at times, the individual lives of the character do anything but. I have taken a great liking to Sun, Capheus, Lito, and the others whose personal lives are not intertwined with the central story. Their individual stories are just as good, if not better than the story surrounding BPO.
On the subject of characters, it’s evident that sense8 is one of the most progressive shows to date. Letting a transgender hacker, a gay actor, and a female fighter take the lead, the series joins the ranks of the likes of “Brooklyn 99” when it comes to representation. As for the character’s depth, it does take some time to get into (which is to be expected with eight leading roles) but all characters are developed to the touch. Their actions make sense and their choices are motivated, making it easy for the audience to care about them and what happens to them.
But what ultimately made me fall in love with this series is the incredible visuals. The screen is ever vibrant as the ridiculous concept of sensates is brought to life through innovative shots and stylized action. Especially the transitions when the sensates ‘visit’ each other seem flawless and never the same. Showrunners Lana and Lilly Wachowski continue to find new ways to make characters appear and disappear out of thin air in the second season. In addition, the Wachowski’s are bringing back the magic from “The Matrix” in such action sequences as (spoiler) the shootout in Berlin and Sun’s high-speed chase.
Overall, sense8 takes risks — slowing down the plot to focus on diverse characters in a ridiculous story with stylized visuals — which turned out for the best. The Wachowski’s dared to go big in a tale that had me invested from start to finish. I miss the characters already and I’m excited to see where they go next.
